"Hail to the Chief!"

R.J. did it, he won the election at his elementary school! He is the new President! The family campaign slogan worked again like a charm, "DON'T BE A RAISIN, VOTE FOR R.J. HAZEN!" Rob used this same slogan when he ran and won for Sargent At Arms. We are so proud of him. He worked really hard on his speech and posters. When he got up to give his speech the kids chanted, "R.J., R.J., R.J." That put a big smile on his face and calmed his nerves a little bit. He was the only boy running against three cute girls (I think he even has a crush on one of them!) He is so excited to be able to run the student council meetings and to lead the Pledge of Allegiance every Friday at the Flag Salute Awards Assembly. Good job R.J. it takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there in front of your peers. Remember to always be a leader not a follower! We love you baby.

"Eat More Chicken!"

I am cheap, I admit it! But, who would pass up..."Kids Eat Free" on Tuesday Nights? You can often find my family at Chick-Fil-A on Tuesday night, especially if R.J. has a basketball or Baseball game (come on Toomers & Cliffords, you know you are there more than us!) There is always fun activites to do there, Face Painting, Coloring, Some one to draw a caricature of you. I wish they offered this on Monday nights, this could be our FHE! Payton does not particularly love the food at Chick-Fil-A, but she does love that Cow!!! The kids also love that if you don't want the toy that comes with kids meal, you can trade it in for a Soft Serve Ice Cream Cone!!! Rob loves Chick-Fil-A because it is right across the way from In-N-Out (his burger of choice). He just brings his meal right on in so we can "eat as a family" , Chick-Fil-A doesn't even seem to mind! And I love it because I don't have to cook and it's free! So, which restaurant do You frequent that offers "Kids Eat Free" nights? Are there other places that I don't know about? I know you go to them, don't deny it!!!

"The 80's Called, They Want Their Hair Back!"

My sister Michele had a 40th birthday party for her husband Chad. The theme was the 80's. And yes, everyone did dress up. It brought back so many memories trying to decide which look to go with, the Madonna, the Flash Dance, the Punk Rocker, the Valley-Girl, or the Preppy look! Happy to say I found my costume at the local thrift store and not in my own closet! Lucky for Rob I even found a pair of Acid-Washed Jeans in his size that he could "Peg" at the cuff! I filled in some of the accessory details at some teen store "Fashion 5". Because you know the 80's were all about "Accessories". That store was filled with 80's stuff that I used to wear back in junior high and high school. I found an assortment of Plastic neon bracelets, banana clips, Big oversized earrings, blue eyeliner and mascara and even jelly sandals! I can't believe that fashion is back in style! My hair was the best part of my costume, "The bigger the better", was my motto back then. It was like ridding a bike, I did not forget how to "Curl, tease, spray, curl, tease, spray!" It is a process that has to be done in that order and be done with only Aqua Net! I topped off my hair with a Scunchi of course! I personally loved everything about the 80's, the music (Depeche Mode, Erasure, which I still listen to), the movies (16 Candles, my favorite!), the "Sayings" ("Totally", My inner Valley Girl, still emerges out today), and the clothes (I think I am going back to Fashion 5 to get me some jellies). It was so fun to Flash-Back to the 80's, I have really missed them! Why couldn't the 90's been as fun, I could have done with out all the "grunge".

"The Perks of the Job!"

See, there are some benefits to being Bishop! I'm just glad to be married to him so I can enjoy these benefits as well. Thank you to all the sweet Activity Day Girls and their leaders for the nice notes and yummy cookies. You made our whole family so happy!

"Manning Up!"

This weekend R.J. went on his very first Scout Jamboree Camp Out . He went alone without his Momma watching over his every move to make sure he was doing what he was supposed to do (Rob did go, but he wanted R.J. to "survive" on his own, talk about tough love!). I only texted Rob once, to make sure R.J. was dressed warmly and not freezing! R.J. was able to "Man Up" and hang with the older scouts. He set up his own tent, he layed out and fixed his own sleeping area and he even made sure not to forget to eat. In a span of 24 hours he was able to earn his Tote n' Chip. He's been dying to earn this because he now can have a pocket knife! He also earned First-Aid and Wood Working Merit badges. I was so proud and very impressed with the Wood Box he built and he did it injury free! I was so glad he returned to me all in one piece and he had an awesome experience. Maybe we'll have an Eagle Scout in this family yet, poor Rob only made it to Tenderfoot.

"My Funny Valentines"

So, Rob and I were woken up bright and early on this Valentine's morning by the loves of our lives! They made us breakfast in bed, complete with a menu stating what we were going to eat. (Toast, Morning star Breakfast Patty, and Light & Fit Yogurt) The girls each had a dish towel drapped on their arms like they were waiters and R.J. carried the tray. My little sweeties made sure to make a "hearty, good for you" breakfast to appease their parents healthy eating "life-style" change (Diet)! They did a wonderful job and my favorite part of our suprise was their love notes they each wrote to us. Here is what they wrote:

R.J.'s Letter

Dear Mom and Dad,

I love this time of year. I love it because it's the time that we show our love and spend time with our family. I love you both so much and am thankful that you are my parents. You have been patient with me and my siblings even though it has been tough. You have always listened to us and have backed us up and supported our dreams. You are always there when we need you. I am so thankful to have you in our lives. And I am sure Maddie and Payton feel the same way. Happy Valentine's Day!

Love Your Thankful Son, R.J.

Madison's Letter

Dear Mommy and Daddy,

Happy Valentine's Day. I love you guys so much. You comfort me, help me when I need help, love me very much and care and raise me! Mommy, you do and teach me many things. You do sewing, cooking, shopping, playing and gave me life! I can list a million good things about you. Daddy, you take me to Daddy-Daughter dances, play with me, help me with homework and Baptized me. Of course I can list a lot more than I listed. I will love you non-stop!

Love, Madison

Payton's Letter

Dear Mom and Dad,

I love you very, very much. Happy Valentine's Day! You are the best Mommy and Daddy in the world!! I love you!

Love, PayPay

We suprised the kids with new Webkinz! They will be on the computer all night. And they won't even know we've gone to Sushi and the Temple. Oh, I forgot to mention I also got this, a Valentine Red, Palm Centro Cell Phone! My Hubby is the greatest. This has been one of the best Valentine's. It makes it all worth while to know your kids and Husband really do love you!

"Valentine's Playgroup"

It was Payton's turn to host playgroup this week! Since it was so close to Valentine's Day, we made it our theme. The day was a gorgeous, sunny, very warm 78 degrees. We couldn't pass up this awesome weather in February, so we set up our valentine stations outside in the back yard. Payton was such a great helper getting things ready. She kept asking every five minutes, "When are my friends going to get here?" (We need to work on Patience!)

The kids frosted and decorated Sugar Cookies. They had many different Toppings to choose from. I think more toppings and frosting ended up in their bellies than on their cookies. After getting full on cookies the kids made Valentine Cards for that special someone. Payton was the lucky recipient of Gavin's valentine card! I am crossing my fingers they stay "Friends" till they turn 16, he's a cutie! (I think she is actually blushing in this picture!)

"Call Me!"

Payton has a new obsession, talking on the phone. It has really gotten out of hand. I thought we would be faced with this problem when she turned a teenager. But no, we are dealing with this 8 years too soon! She wants to talk to anyone, anytime, anywhere. We are lucky to have free long distance minutes on our cell phones. Actually it's kind of nice, she'll call her grandparents and read them books over the phone, I call it "long distance babysitting". She will chat on the phone for over an hour if I let her. She even calls our family and friends and leaves them a nice message saying that, "She will be calling them back!" Her new trick is reading the caller I.D., if she recognizes the phone number she'll answer it and yap away. So, if you don't want to spend the afternoon talking to a very livley Payton, make sure to check your caller I.D. before you answer your phone. You may be next!

I "Heart" New York!

There is no other City I like to visit more than New York! I would be happy if I could go every 6 months. There is always something new to see and experience in this beautiful City. Our first day in New York was spent in the Ed Sullivan Theater, we saw "The Lateshow with David Letterman"! The guest were actress, Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives) and singer, Colbie Calliet (Bubbly). We made sure to be the loudest "Clappers, Whistlers, and Yellers" in the audience, hoping to be able to "Hear" ourselves on T.V. Rob even got repremended for yelling out Paul the keyboardest name. (I could not stop laughing) We even stopped to visit with Rupert at the "Hello Deli". Then we headed to Broadway, where we saw "Legally Blonde" (good choice Ellie). We got great Orchestra seats through TKTS! One of the best things about New York is their transportation system. We rode the Subway every where! We just loaded up our Metro Card and we were set! We only used a Taxi a couple of times. The weather of course was freezing but, bearable! We even had some very sunny days. It only rained one day, but it gave us a chance to wear our adorable galoshes that we don't get to wear very often in California. Another thing New York really knows about is FOOD! My "Healthy Eating" went right out the window when we discovered the "Magnolia Bakery" (featured in O magazine). The line to get one of these delectable Cupcake or desserts wrapped around the shop! As you can tell from the boxes on the table, we frequented this establishment often! We also made sure to eat at Katz's Deli (from the movie, When Harry Met Sally, "I'll have what she's having!") Their Pastrami Rubens are huge and to die for. I also could not go to New York with out having Carnegie Deli's Famous Sugar Cookie Crust Cheese Cake! And for all the "Foodies" out there, you must visit the Chelsea Market (Allison's Pick). It was once and old Biscuit Bakery Warehouse and it is now a one stop culinary food shop, a gourmet lover's retail wonder and chic hotspot, all meshed into a million square feet of space. We ate Crab Bisque at the ever so fresh "Lobster Place". Just make sure to go to this market hungry! Another favorite to do in New York, SHOPPING! Of course we hit Canal Street in China Town. The haven for Fake Purses, jewlery and my kids favorite: Pirated, just released Movies on DVD. (they were happy to get "Alvin and the Chipmunks") Rob sure is a good barginer. Next on our shopping list, TIFFANY & CO. (Thanks Carol for the "Fun $") There is nothing like that "Little Blue Box"!!! We had such a blast on this trip and were so lucky to share it with Matt and Allison. They are perfect traveling buddies! We can't wait for our next visit back to New York, we already have a new "To Do" list for next time! But, next time I think we'll visit in early summer, I really want to do more in Central Park!